Another court delay for jailed Billy

John A. MacInnes

A jailed Neilston man who was hoping to have had his day in court to prove his innocence, has received yet another setback.

Billy Irving was jailed in 2013 in India along with five other UK nationals on firearms charges while aboard the anti-piracy ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio.

The case was due to have called at court for new evidence to be presented in the shape of validated firearms certificates, proving all arms were legally held.

However a glitch in the Indian courts system meant that their case has once again been dealt a blow – as a key individual due to appear at court failed to turn up meaning the case is now subject to even more delays.

Billy’s MP, Kirsten Oswald has called for immediate action from the Foreign Office for the so called ‘Chennai Six’.

All of the men - who are ex service personnel - have consistently protested their innocence and simply want the court to hear their appeal.

Kirsten told The Extra: “I have now had six meetings with Foreign Office Ministers to press them to secure Billy Irving’s release but unfortunately, it feels a little bit like Groundhog Day, with the same discussions happening again and again, with a disappointing lack of any action.

“Billy and his shipmates have been stuck in India for three years. These men are innocent of any crime. The UK Government must step up efforts to secure their release.

“I am concerned about Billy’s state of health. This terrible limbo he is in must be taking its toll.

“For the past fifteen months, I have heard soothing words from Foreign Office Ministers. That’s simply not good enough. Now we need action to a bring Billy home.”